Ellwood begins this interview by describing his background as an author and the books he’s written. In Magical Identity, he’s exploring magick from an ontological perspective, a shift from doing magick to being magick, or embodying magick. As such, the identity of the magician is crucial. Taylor then asks: What is identity and how is it defined? How does it fit into magick?

“Learning the answer to the question “Who am I?” may prove vitally important, at some stage of the game, for most magicians. Allow Taylor Ellwood to be your guide; his answers aren’t simple ones, rather, he describes a method for exploring the interconnectedness of human and universe in a way that promises to help you find your own answers.” — Phil Farber, author of Brain Magick

“Throughout this book you’ll find a sparkling clarity in the writing (seriously; no mystic mumbo jumbo, no obscure oh-so-spookyness). And when you’ve read this book the chances are that you’ll have discovered an attitude to magic that is rich in new ideas and perspectives and will undoubtedly enhance your own approach, whatever your style or tradition.” — Julian Vayne, author of Magick Works and Now That’s What I Call Chaos Magick

Taylor talks about the historical concept of identity and how he is using an approach to magick that is based upon identity and contrasts this with other models of magick: psychological, information, spiritual, and energetic. The key to this magickal approach, as he describes it, is to allow the shift in identity to occur – a transmutation, if you will. His approach is also notable for its encouragement of experimentation and exploration, with understanding of the process and results. He shares his definitions of identity and magick, and that the nexus of the two is that the magick aligns the identity with the desired possibility. Taylor tells us of some of his influences including William G. Gray and Franz Bardon, as well as his academic background and interest in neuroscience in psychology.

Taylor also spends time discussing cultural identity, the lure of the exotic with regard to spirituality, and the way Taoism and Buddhism enhance his internal work. He also talks a bit about space – time magick as well.

I appreciate Taylor’s experimental and non-traditional approach. With Magical Identity, he delivers another cutting-edge text that has the potential to create new possibilities and shape identities. Recommended!

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Taylor Ellwood talks about the importance of defining magick for yourself, instructs some meditative breath exercises, and guides an excellent space / time meditation. In addition, he’s graciously provided a PDF of the first chapter of Magical Identity.

Great show! I was going to ask you Greg if you could have Taylor Ellwood back on, looks like you were already thinking the same thing! May I suggest maybe getting Mitch Horowitz again? He seemed very well informed on the topics he disscuses and he is a very good orator as well! Thanks again for the Great Work that you do!